'What the people of Letterkenny deserve is a smooth, stress-free traffic system'

Mary T Sweeney says the people of Letterkenny require a “smooth, stress-free traffic system.”

In a letter to DonegalLive, the Aontú Donegal Representative has added that she formally requests a Freedom of Information Act breakdown of the “astronomical cost of the work” on the Port Road dual carriageway.

A late attempt to stall two major active travel projects in Letterkenny was voted down in the council last week. Donegal County Councillors debated giving Part 8 approval to works at Ballyraine Road and the Circular Road. The proposals will add bicycle lanes and improved pedestrian facilities to both routes while turning some roundabouts into signalised junctions.

“Last week witnessed yet another regrettable day for Donegal, as 20 members of our Council voted in favour of a new cycle lane on Ballyraine Road, an action that will result in the felling of the old oak tree at Ballyraine,” Ms Sweeney wrote. “There was adequate space to develop a cycle lane here without having to remove this notable landmark.

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“This issue is not just about a tree. It also reflects a larger, worrying pattern of disregarding our local heritage; for example, the demolition of the historic Kelly’s Stores building at the Port Bridge, which could have been converted into a beautiful tourist office and café, celebrating the Port's rich history on the River Swilly

“However, I do wish to commend the 13 councillors who opposed this decision and who recognised the importance of preserving our natural and historical environment.

“After spending millions on the rarely used Port Road cycle lane, I find it difficult to understand how a similar plan could be supported at Ballyraine. And while I welcome and encourage tree planting initiatives, I question the logic of placing trees in the centre of a tight dual carriageway. As they grow, their branches will obstruct lorries and other large vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions.

“The Port Road cycle lane stands out alongside projects like the Dáil’s ‘Gucci Bike Shed ’ and ‘Security Hut’ as an example of misplaced priorities by those in power.

“What was the final spend on the Port Road cycle project? €12 million - or more? Have we ever been given a confirmed figure? Under the Freedom of Information Act, I formally request a detailed breakdown of the astronomical cost of the work on the Port Road dual carriageway, including the subsequent reinforcement of the River Swilly bank.

“What the people of an expanding Letterkenny really deserve is a smooth, stress-free traffic system. To achieve this, we urgently require two new bridges across the River Swilly - not only at he long-proposed Bonagee, but also one near the cinema linking to Leck and crossing to Ballymacool, forming part of a ring road which would greatly improve access to schools, workplaces, the hospital, and other key areas.

The funds being spent on the Ballyraine cycle lane - along with the untold millions squandered on the Port Road - could have gone a long way toward building one of those badly needed bridges. Our councillors must stop spending public money wastefully and instead focus on delivering infrastructure that genuinely benefits the community.”